Richard L. Carlson age 87 of Waconia, formerly of Watertown passed away on Friday, December 29, 2017. He waited 15 minutes into the morning of the 29^th to die, so as not to have died on the “love of his life’s” birthday. Richard was born February 2, 1930 in Hollywood Township, Carver County, the son of Richard T. and Irene (Tester) Carlson.

On June 25, 1960, Richard was united in marriage to Mary Louise Cebulla. Richard served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955 and was employed by the Minneapolis Star Tribune for 43 years.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Irene Carlson, brother Glen Carlson, sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Merlyn Johnson, sister-in-law Louise Carlson.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years Mary; brothers George, Elwood, James (Melba); sisters Mary Ann Lindner, Irene Carlson; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law Ray (Joan) Cebulla, Joann Beilke, Evelyn Chacka; nephews Don Carlson, Adam (Tami) Carlson, Dean Cebulla and other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, January 2, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 201 Territorial St. W. Watertown, MN. Visitation was from 10 to 11 a.m. in the church prior to Mass.